On his debut recording for eighth note records, "Living A Dream," Garrin showcases his varied talents as songwriter, singer, guitarist and bassist. This collection of thirteen songs, while stylistically eclectic, is held t... more »ogether by the ever present warmth of Garrin's acoustic guitar and voice. The guitar, at times percussive and driving, is also evocative of American folk, country and blues. Garrin's plaintive and present voice wraps around the listener as they hear lyrics about the full range of emotions in relationships - love, jealousy, alienation, and finally independence and self-determination.« less
On his debut recording for eighth note records, "Living A Dream," Garrin showcases his varied talents as songwriter, singer, guitarist and bassist. This collection of thirteen songs, while stylistically eclectic, is held together by the ever present warmth of Garrin's acoustic guitar and voice. The guitar, at times percussive and driving, is also evocative of American folk, country and blues. Garrin's plaintive and present voice wraps around the listener as they hear lyrics about the full range of emotions in relationships - love, jealousy, alienation, and finally independence and self-determination.
"Listening to Living a Dream is like reading someone's diary. Perhaps it's more like having the author read it out loud. Once in, you just want to know more and more about this man's heart. Garrin uses sensitivity and insight to seduce us into his world, giving one little choice but to beg for more. Though at times literal, he forgoes typical love-song melodrama and makes a beautiful, uneven trade for sharp, cutting honesty and mature, developed metaphor. The music is cut from the same cloth. Like great musical theatre, the melodies curve around the lyrics and flow like ribbons creating a cohesive sensory experience. Benfield's guitar playing is nothing short of expert. It is a rare but worthwhile find to discover a pop artist with such technical mastery without a trace of pretense. In spite of occassional self indulgence, he is a virtuoso player and his playing adheres to the first and most important commandment that all the great players abide by, "serve the music first". Highlights include an uncomfortably poignant yet playful lament about changing relationships called "We Don't Dance" and a startlingly graphic tribute to the martyred Matthew Shepard titled "What You're Hiding". There is very little about this album to not like. When you listen, you are likely to forget that it is an artist's debut. Observations usually reserved for the seasoned veteran are easily reasoned and his words resonate with a history older than his years. This is truly a great treasure to be found amid the din of fledgling pop artists clamoring for the spotlight."
A beautiful first album
04/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An incredible album perfect for late night introspective relaxation. The haunting lyrics of "Already Heard" have stayed with me since my first listening. This is truely a beautiful collection of songs, and I'm fortunate enough to say that this guy is even more amazing live."
Dreaming in My Living Room
George Thomas | Timbuktu, Kalamazu and Waterloo | 07/01/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ahhh, Garrin Benfield. His new album is filled with insights so personal and intimately relevant that their content rises from this core and grabs hold of a truly universal space that speaks to a much broader human experience. The quality of the recording is such that it's almost like having Garrin and his band playing live in my living room, but (sadly) without his sweet visage, sweat and leather pants. Into the Mistic..."
A wonderful troubadour
Rain Perry | Ojai, CA USA | 06/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just participated w/ Garrin at the Troubadour competition at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, where he was, deservedly, one of five national finalists.This album is passionate, moving, and very well recorded. It works to listen to it just for the music, or to put headphones on and get into the well-crafted songs.Garrin's music comes from the catchy California country-rock tradition. There are strains of Gram Parsons as well as more recent bands like Wilco & the Jayhawks. But what makes Garrin's music especially compelling to me is hearing him navigate the challenges of being in a long term relationship. He's completely honest about what's wonderful and what's difficult about being w/ one person.This is a great album - I recommend it highly."
Songs from the heart to touch your soul!
Rain Perry | 04/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Eclectic in styles, the power of this music is in the poetry hesings. It's raw, brutally honest, loving, visual, and strangelycomforting at the same time. This is the work of a mature, self-assured artist who draws from a well of his own experiences and lets us into his life so that we see the mirror of our own. Powerful stuff. So think of a new Joni Mitchell (lyrically), or k.d. lang for stylistic variety. Garrin is original and very fresh. If you have a chance, see this guy perform live. Transcendent."